It’s no secret that the 14-inch Apple M3 MacBook Pro laptops are built strong and can last you several years. However, if you want your laptop to stay in pristine condition, getting a case is one of the first steps. In this post, we have compiled our recommendations for the best cases for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 chip.
Fintie Snap-On: Best Budget Case
Type: Hard Shell
The Fintie Snap-on case for the MacBook Pro M3 is a simple plastic hard shell case. It has a slim and flat build and preserves the original form factor of your laptop. As you may have already deduced, it’s a snap-on case, meaning an easy installation process.
Another noteworthy factor is the accurate cutouts for the ports on the side and vents at the back. The latter helps in proper heat dissipation. Furthermore, it fits the 14-inch MacBook Pro like a glove, and the best part is that the case doesn’t restrict the hinge’s movement. For the price, it’s sturdy and keeps your MacBook safe from scratches and scuff marks.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Sleek build
- Easy installation
What We Don’t Like
- Not the most protective case on the market
Batianda Ultimate Protection: Best Durable Case
Type: Hard Shell
Unlike the Fintie case above, the Batianda Ultimate Protection Case has a carbon fiber edge design. This sleek cover wraps around the MacBook’s frame and, in the process, keeps scratches and the effects of everyday wear and tear at bay. Moreover, the brand claims the case can cushion your MacBook Pro’s fall.
Aside from that, you get the usual bells and whistles like anti-slip feet, cutouts for the ports, and a breathable bottom. More importantly, the Batianda case bundles a matching keyboard cover and a screen protector. It’s a little on the heavier side, but it does a great job of keeping your MacBook safe from the elements. It’s durable as well.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Easy installation
- Durable
- Bundles a screen protector and keyboard cover
What We Don’t Like
- A little on the heavier side
SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle: Best Rugged Case
Type: Hard Shell
If you’re searching for a rugged cover for the MacBook Pro with M3 SOC, you can’t go wrong with the SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle case. It brings features like a shock-absorbing bumper, dual color tones, and military-grade protection to the table. As such, these cases are tested for drops and falls quite rigorously.
It’s a two-piece case that easily snaps onto the laptop, and the anti-slip pads at the bottom prevent the laptop from slipping. At the same time, the Unicorn Beetle case has a solid build, and the fortified bumpers give it a hardy look. Again, like the one above, it has an impressive fit and quality. More importantly, the case stays anchored and doesn’t add much bulk to the overall form factor.
What We Like
- Rugged exterior
- Military-grade drop protection
- Solid build
What We Don’t Like
- A bit on the bulky side
Spigen Thin Fit: Best Thin Case
Type: Hard Shell
If you do not want a rugged case, you should take a look at the Spigen Thin Fit Case. With this, your MacBook Pro M3 will preserve its slim look, while the outer PC shell will safeguard the laptop’s chassis from scuffs, marks, and minor dents.
However, note that this slim case will not protect your laptop from accidental drops. That said, all the ports and vents are easily accessible, and the snug fit is an added advantage. Further, the elevated base prevents overheating. It’s a bit expensive compared to its peers and it scratches easily. That said, if you want a simple MacBook Pro case, this one is a good pick.
What We Like
- Sleek and stylish
- Packs clean cutouts for the ports and the vents
- Offers a snug fit
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Not as rugged as some other options on the list
Spigen Urban Fit: Best Stylish Case
Type: Hard Shell
Another Spigen case on our list is the Urban Fit Case. It is a stylish case that doesn’t turn yellow with time. It’s made from premium knit fabric, which adds a significant amount of grip. Further, it doesn’t add too much heft to your laptop
It’s a hardshell case and is built to protect the laptop from minor bumps against door frames or table edges. That said, the Spigen Urban Fit case is not without limitations. For one, hair tends to get stuck to the surface. Secondly, the material is heavy compared to its PC and TPU counterparts. That said, this case does its essential duties well — protecting your laptop and adding a chic look.
What We Like
- Chic looks
- Doesn’t add too much bulk to the laptop
- Prevents scratches and scuffs
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- It causes the lid to close when placed at a particular angle.
May Chen Designer Case: Best Printed Case
Type: Hard Shell
Now, if you don’t want a conventional case, check out the May Chen Designer Case. It has beautiful illustrations and is available in several attractive finishes, including landscapes, abstract art, and an old-school vinyl player. Cool, right?
Like most of its peers here, the May Chen case for the MacBook Pro sports a two-piece design. It can be clipped onto your laptop seamlessly and doesn’t hinder the hinge’s movement. What’s more, each case comes with a color-matched keyboard cover and a screen protector. While the fit is great, the bottom slides off at times. Hence, if you choose to buy this one, you must be careful about handling it.
What We Like
- Offers a wide range of beautiful designs
- Affordable
- Comes with a keyboard cover and a screen protector
What We Don’t Like
- Bottom case tends to slide off
FAQs
1. Which is better – case or sleeve?
Both cases and sleeves offer laptop protection. Primarily, a sleeve offers the said protection when you are not using the laptop. On the other hand, a case will keep the laptop safe at all times, regardless of the usage scenario.
2. Do cases overheat MacBooks?
Cases with no proper heat dissipation tech may cause heat to get trapped inside the laptop, causing it to overheat. While MacBooks are not known to overheat, it’s always recommended to check that the case’s vents line up well with the laptop. Secondly, removing the case is ideal if you’re doing heavy-duty work.
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